“Disclosure and Barring Service”

“Can Art Therapists be on the ACC Register?”

The answer is that they are already a regulated profession and so for fuller information please use this link Art Therapy

How long should I keep client records?

The convention/common practice for counsellors/psychotherapists to keep their client notes, before shredding, is seven years.

What happens with my insurance when I retire or take a career break, do I have to continue to buy it?

When you retire or stop counselling for any reason for a significant period of time, there is a period of time after you have ceased counselling where you may still get complaints/issues that arise with your clients, this is called a ‘run off period’. It is advisable to maintain some form of insurance to cover for this time. There is no absolute period of time when an individual can raise issues, particularly around abuse, so it is important that you maintain cover for as long as is reasonably practical. Some insurers offer free cover for three years afterwards (which can be extended if needed) some don’t. So it is best to check with your insurer to see what they offer particularly if you are wishing to retire or take a long career break.

It would also be beneficial to review your complaints procedures making sure that it is as robust as it can be minimising the risk, even when you have retired or stop offering a counselling service.

Insurance for overseas counsellors

If you are a counsellor overseas and you are a member of ACC you will require insurance as part of your membership.
Oxygen is offering this insurance to those who wish to become members of ACC.
For more information you will need to contact Oxygen directly on 01274 760 460 or email counselling@oxygeninsurance.com